Orioles' bold rotation gamble could unravel before Opening Day

The Baltimore Orioles may have a surplus of starting pitchers which could lead them to try a six-man rotation. That gamble can only work if everyone stays healthy and that is a big question mark heading into the 2026 season.

Signing Chris Bassitt gave Baltimore's rotation more depth, there is no denying that. While there is not a clear-cut, bonafide ace, there are a lot of solid big league starters which is why a six-man rotation could make some sense.

Baltimore's potential six-man rotation has no guarantee of working whatsoever

Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers have both been ace-like arms when they have been healthy and on the mound, but it would be a very pleasant surprise if either pitcher was able to stay healthy for a full season.

Bassitt makes sense as a middle-of-the-rotation arm as a bridge to other starters like Zach Eflin who is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The Orioles still decided to bring him back on a one-year deal, and he has to be hoping for a bounce back season although his status for Opening Day is up in the air.

Shane Baz is another solid rotation arm acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. He may have a little more upside than some other rotation arms, but still has to prove that he can be consistently good on the mound.

Then there's Dean Kremer. The veteran seemed like he could be the odd man out of the rotation after the Bassitt signing, but with a six-man rotation he could remain a starter and would not have to be a long reliever or be sent down to Triple-A.

By going with six starters over five, the Orioles would take stress off of all their arms which is wise since three guys are injury-prone or coming off injuries and there are question marks with the other three.

Obviously, a six-man rotation would not solve all of Baltimore's current problems nor would it be a permanent solution. But maybe by starting the season with this approach they can get a better feel for who really belongs in the rotation closer to the deadline and then can try to trade for an ace if they are looking to make a playoff push.

Of course, none of this matters if guys can't get through spring training healthy. The early reports on Eflin have been good as he recovers from his back surgery. He hopes to be ready by Opening Day, but if he is not ready to go, then talk of a six-man rotation will likely dissipate.